Eating Disorders: Support Groups For Depression

Monday 22 October 2012

Support Groups For Depression

Although many teens go through periods of feeling moody or confused, the rate of adolescent depression has soared in recent years, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens. If your teen experiences true depression over a period of two weeks or more, start by setting up an appointment with a professional. Prompt treatment minimizes the risks that the teen will turn to alcohol, drugs, crime or sex to allay feelings of depression, while delaying treatment can result in suicidal depression. There may be a family history of depression or your teen may have a chemical imbalance in the brain. Clinical depression and bipolar disorder should be treated by a professional, and in addition to medication, he or she may prescribe a support group.Psychotherapy, cognitive-behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy are all used to treat depression, but you want to make sure that the group your teen will be in isn't going to make things worse. While there is a plethora of online support groups for those who suffer from depression, such as Psych Central's Depression Support Group, Beating the Beast, Emotions Anonymous, Empty Souls, and Roses and Thorns, many of those who take part in them have not had any mental health training and their advice may not be helpful.